But my Lords notwithstanding all these drawbacks upon the zeal and attachment of the Six Nations towards us, I am presuaded at this Instant & I hope I shall have when the approaching meeting at Onondago is finished, stronger reason to be persuaded, that if ■we wore now ready to go upon Action from Oswego & things were a formidable & favourable appearance, that the 6 Nations would join us with a Chearfulness and vigor which at pesent dos not so visibly appear. And I must beg leave to give it to you

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 725

Lordships as my fixt opinion upon the most Deliberate Consideration, that the Six Nations will never be thoroughly fixt to the British interest & Arms, until we strike some grand stroke & thereby convince them that we have ability to protect them & humble the French, without asserting our Dignity & Consequence in some such way as this, Presents & Treaties a Diligent & Skilful Managment may keep the 6 Nations Friends & Allies, but will not destroy the French Influence & Attachment amongst them.

Could we but give such a Convincing Proof of our Prowess, I will take upon me to answer for the Hearts & the hands of the Six Nations & to turn them with such Destructive Rage upon the French as would soon give a new Face to our affairs for this I am confident that the Six Nations almost to a man wish we had the upper hand of the French. They would not only I am persuaded thus exert themselves but bring over many great and powerful Nations to the Southward & Westward w^h. might be facilitated by our management that way. My Lords